Cooking a big meal with someone really solidifies a relationship. Even if you’re cooking simultaneously but in all different kitchens (like this online seasonal holiday potluck)some how we all feel a little closer. Last year I cooked the big feast with my dear friend Anne. She taught me how to perfectly tie knots with dough for beautiful rolls and together we mastered several pies, side dishes, and took on the challenge of the most massive turkey I’ve ever bought, all for the cause of feeding our friends. We started a week or so ahead, prepping by making pie dough and freezing it, making cranberry sauce, and splitting up our grocery lists. Then on the day before we prepped veggies and make a schedule for the day of. On Thanksgiving day we cooked, sipped and sampled our way through creating a special meal. We talked all about our families Thanksgiving traditions, what we liked and what we didn’t and what we hope to change.
I think I’m going to make a habit of pre-Thanksgiving testing meals with friends! Aside from our online holiday potluck, this year a group of bloggers who all partner with our local grocery Harmons Grocery, got together for a in-person Thanksgiving feast. Our recipes we’re perfected, we shared a meal, and many photos were taken! All in the name of making this year’s Thanksgiving easy for our readers. And we’re not only giving you lots of recipe ideas today, we’re also giving away grocery money for the big feast.
For this Harmons Thanksgiving Feast, most of the actual cooking was done in advance but Si from A Bountiful Kitchen, Caroline from Armelle Blog, and I helped put the finishing touches on the meal for a complete spread. After whisking gravy, cutting herbs, and setting the table together, we all felt a more tightly knit as new friends. Food has a special way of doing that and cooking, even more so.
Here are all of the dishes that filled our table for our early Thanksgiving meal.
Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
Chocolate Mousse Pie
Honey Whole Grain Rolls
Savory Sweet Potatoes with Bacon, Thyme and Cream
Easy Cranberry Orange Relish
Sausage Herb Stuffing
Sesame Green Beans with Bacon and Chestnuts
Si gave me an extra boost of confidence in my gravy making as she whisked up her gravy the exact way I do. She and I both like to place our turkey roasting pans, drippings and all, right over two burners on the stove. Then, add some stock and flour, maybe some extra seasonings, and you’re good to go. Here’s my full recipe for Turkey Gravywith one flavor boosting secret ingredient!
We are giving away 5 gift cards to Harmons Grocery, each valuing $100. The giveaway is until this Sunday at night. There’s a huge chance to win so definitely don’t miss out! Here’s how to enter:
For this super easy cranberry sauce recipe, just pulse a whole orange (rind and all) in a food processor with a full bag of cranberries (they are available and on sale right now at Harmons) and 1 cup of sugar. Store the relish in the refrigerator for up to a week prior to the big meal. I like to put the relish in several jars so everyone has easy access along the table.
I hope you all get to cook something delicious with new and old friends around the holidays this year. You may get to know someone a little deeper or make a old relationship a little sweeter as you stir gravy, prep a turkey or mash up the pot of potatoes! Cooking just has a way of doing that!
This simple recipe for Cranberry and Orange Relish is great alongside Thanksgiving spread or for turkey sandwiches.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 15 minutes mins
Course Condiment
Cuisine American, Holiday
Ingredients
- 1 bag of cranberries, 12 ounces
- 1 orange, seedless
- 1 cup of sugar, you may use less
Instructions
Cut the oranges into quarters. In a food processor chop the raw cranberries and orange slices. Add in the sugar gradually and pulse a few more times. Taste as you add the sugar in because you may not want to use all of the sugar.
Transfer to a glass jar and refrigerate. This will keep for 2 weeks. Leftovers can be combined with mayonnaise and used as a dressing for leftover turkey sandwiches.
Posted in
, Fall, Gluten Free, Side Dish, Vegan, Vegetarian, Winter
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FAQs
Ingredients. Cranberries, Sugar, Orange Juice Concentrate, Potassium Sorbate (preservative), Citric Acid, Sodium Ascorbate (to Maintain Color).
How long will cranberry relish keep in the refrigerator? ›
To make-ahead: Cranberry relish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. To freeze: Store cranberry relish in a freezer safe container for 2-3 months. To use, remove it from the freezer and thaw it in the refrigerator.
What is cranberry relish made of? ›
There's no cooking involved, just using a grinder or a food processor to grind up and mix together raw cranberries, tart green apples, a large seedless orange, and sugar. It's amazing how good it is! Great with roast turkey, or for leftovers on turkey sandwiches.
How can I thicken my cranberry relish? ›
Try reducing the sauce down even further so more of the liquid cooks off and the mixture thickens. If that doesn't work, add a thickener like gelatin, pectin or a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch whisked into juice or water). Let the sauce cool before refrigerating to completely set.
What do you use cranberry orange relish for? ›
Serve over your favorite protein or as a relish on burgers and sandwiches! This Cranberry Orange Relish is very traditional but with a zing from the orange juice and the orange zest. The sweet citrus compliments the tartness of cranberries.
Can you freeze Trader Joe's cranberry orange relish? ›
It's a seasonal item that only comes out around Thanksgiving, but people stock up on this uncooked cranberry-orange relish and freeze it to eat year-round.
Can I freeze leftover cranberry relish? ›
Yes, you can freeze homemade cranberry sauce—and it works well. It's best to store it in the freezer for up to 3 months; the taste may be affected due to its water content if frozen longer. Keep this in mind when putting away your leftover sauce and use it during this optimal period as part of an easy weeknight dinner.
Can you freeze homemade cranberry relish? ›
refrigerator up to 2 weeks or freeze up to 6 months.
Can dogs eat cranberries? ›
Both fresh and dried cranberries are safe to feed to dogs in small quantities. Whether your dog will like this tart treat is another question. Either way, moderation is important when feeding cranberries to dogs, as with any treat, as too many can lead to an upset stomach.
What to eat with cranberry relish? ›
Simple Appetizers
Top your favorite cracker with whipped cream cheese and a dollop of Cranberry Relish for the ultimate speedy starter. If you have a little more time you can try this Three-Ingredient Cranberry Relish Appetizer with white cheddar cheese.
How Much Cranberry Sauce Do I Need Per Person? If you're making fresh cranberry sauce, plan on at least 1/4 cup per person—more if your family really likes cranberry sauce. I usually make about 1/2 cup per person and find I have plenty left over for a few days of slathering cranberry sauce over everything.
Why is cranberry sauce so expensive? ›
But that's not the case for prepared cranberry sauces, where prices are up. Lochner pointed out that processors set those prices, not growers, and that there are higher input costs unrelated to berries — like “processing the fruit and getting it to market.”
Why is my cranberry sauce bitter? ›
Dear Evelyn: I had the same problem when I first started making my own cranberry sauce. I found out that you should cook them just until they pop. Further cooking will make them bitter, and once that happens, you need to start again.
Why is my homemade cranberry sauce runny? ›
Mistake #2: Your Cranberry Sauce Is Too Runny
But what if you've been cooking it forever and it's still not right? You may have added too much liquid to the cranberries. In addition to pectin, cranberries contain water, which means you only need to add a splash of liquid to get the cooking going.
How to get bitterness out of cranberry sauce? ›
Add A Splash Of Vinegar
While citrus is a natural pairing for cranberry sauce, bright, savory vinegars like sherry vinegar, balsamic vinegar, and apple cider vinegar play well with the bitter-tart berries. Start with a little, then add more gradually. It's easy to overdo it when in comes to bold vinegars.
Does relish go bad in the refrigerator? ›
Relish. This one is actually shocking. According to the FoodKeeper app, relish should be eaten with 30 MONTHS of purchase if it's in the pantry. If it's opened and is being refrigerated, it should be used up within nine months.
How do you know if cranberry sauce has gone bad? ›
Most varieties should last a full year if the can remains dent-free, but keep an eye on that "best before" date to be safe. If you open the can and the sauce appears discolored, or the smell or taste seems off, go ahead and toss it.
Should you refrigerate relish after opening? ›
Yes, relish needs to be refrigerated if it is opened.
How long does Ocean Spray cranberry sauce last in the fridge? ›
Prior to opening, cranberry sauce can be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator if you prefer it chilled. After opening, remove from the can and store tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
